Pittsburgh, PA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Pet limit
- 5 dogs/cats combined per household
- First offense fine
- $350 plus costs
- Repeat offense fine
- $600 plus costs
- Kennel exception
- Permitted kennels/catteries are exempt
- Enforcing agency
- Bureau of Animal Care and Control
Summary
Pittsburgh caps households at five dogs and cats combined under City Code Section 633.12, though licensed kennels and catteries can exceed that limit with a permit from the Bureau of Animal Care and Control.
No person or residence shall be permitted to own, harbor or maintain more than five (5) dogs or cats or any combination thereof within City limits. This section shall not affect any person or residence whose number of dogs, cats or any combination thereof exceeds the limit of five (5) prior to the effective date of this section and upon elimination of dogs or cats by adoption, death or any permanent removal from that person or residence, owners exceeding the limit of five (5) are not permitted to obtain additional dogs or cats. This section shall not affect kennels and catteries that have been granted a kennel/cattery permit by the City Bureau of Animal Care and Control nor shall it affect kennels registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Full Breakdown
City Code Section 633.12 bars any person or residence from owning, harboring, or maintaining more than five dogs or cats, in any combination, within Pittsburgh city limits. Households that already exceeded five before the ordinance took effect could keep their existing animals but cannot replace any that die, are adopted out, or are otherwise permanently removed once the household is back at the five-pet ceiling. The cap does not apply to kennels and catteries holding a permit from the City Bureau of Animal Care and Control, nor to kennels registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Litters under twelve weeks registered with the Bureau also don't count toward the limit.
Violations & Fines
First offense: $350 fine plus costs. Second and later offenses: $600 fine plus costs. Unpaid fines can bring up to 72 hours imprisonment, per City Code Section 633.19(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own more than 5 dogs and cats in Pittsburgh?
What happens if my household already had more than 5 pets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Pet Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle pet limits.